ketorolac (PF) ophthalmic

Uses

This medication is used to treat eye pain and swelling (inflammation) after cataract surgery. Ketorolac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking certain natural substances in your body to reduce pain and swelling.

How to use ketorolac (PF) ophthalmic

Apply this medication to the affected eye as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily starting 1 day before surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and then for 2 weeks after surgery.

To apply eye medication, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

Do not wear contact lenses while using this medication. Sterilize contact lenses according to the manufacturer's directions, and check with your doctor before you begin using them again.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before driving or operating machinery.

For single-use vials, open the vial right before use. After use, discard any remaining solution right away. Do not keep an opened vial for later use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes between applying each medication. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Do not use this medication more often or for longer than directed by your doctor. This medication is usually used only for a short time. Prolonged use may slow or delay healing and may increase your chance of serious side effects.

Side Effects

This medication may sting or burn your eyes for 1-2 minutes when applied. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: eye pain/swelling, vision changes (such as decreased vision), bleeding inside the eye.

Precautions

Before using ketorolac, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin; or to other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Your vision may be temporarily unstable after applying this medication. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

If you develop an eye infection or injury, ask your doctor if you should continue to use this medication.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the benefits and risks (such as miscarriage). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and interference with normal labor/delivery.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk, but it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: corticosteroids (such as prednisone).

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when used with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen). These drugs are similar to ketorolac and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another eye condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Store the single-use vials in the pouch provided and fold the pouch ends closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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